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Qubes OS


Last Update: 2024-02-02 02:44 UTC


Qubes OS is a free and open-source, security-oriented operating system for single-user desktop computing. Qubes OS leverages Xen-based virtualization to allow for the creation and management of isolated compartments called qubes. These qubes, which are implemented as virtual machines (VMs). This allows each component of the operating system to be isolated from other pieces, preenting compromises from spreading or information from leaking.



Popularity (hits per day): 12 months: 49 (197), 6 months: 46 (205), 3 months: 41 (229), 4 weeks: 67 (164), 1 week: 85 (141)

Average visitor rating: 8.77/10 from 35 review(s).


Qubes Summary
Distribution Qubes OS
Home Page https://qubes-os.org/
Mailing Lists https://www.mail-archive.com/qubes-users@googlegroups.com/
User Forums https://forum.qubes-os.org/
Alternative User Forums
Documentation https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/
Screenshots https://www.qubes-os.org/screenshots/DistroWatch Gallery
Screencasts https://www.qubes-os.org/video-tours/
Download Mirrors https://www.qubes-os.org/downloads/DistroWatch Torrent Archive
Bug Tracker https://github.com/QubesOS/qubes-issues/issues
Related Websites
Reviews 4.x: DistroWatchDistroWatchComputing
3.x: Linux JournalDistroWatch
Where To Donate, Buy, or Try

Recent Related News and Releases
  Releases announcements with download links and checksums:
 • 2023-12-19: Distribution Release: Qubes OS 4.2.0
 • 2023-11-27: Development Release: Qubes OS 4.2.0 RC5
 • 2023-08-29: Development Release: Qubes OS 4.2.0 RC2
 • 2023-03-15: Distribution Release: Qubes OS 4.1.2
 • 2022-07-19: Distribution Release: Qubes OS 4.1.1
 • 2022-02-05: Distribution Release: Qubes OS 4.1.0
 • 2022-01-18: Development Release: Qubes OS 4.1.0 RC4
 • 2021-03-05: Distribution Release: Qubes OS 4.0.4
 • 2021-01-24: Development Release: Qubes OS 4.0.4 RC2
 • 2020-01-02: Distribution Release: Qubes OS 4.0.2
 • 2019-01-09: Distribution Release: Qubes OS 4.0.1
 • 2018-03-29: Distribution Release: Qubes OS 4.0
 • More Qubes releases...

  Headlines:
 • 2024-01-10 Qubes certifies the Star Labs StarBook
 • 2022-07-05 Qubes 4.0 nears its end of life
 • 2021-10-12 Qubes tests reproducible Debian builds
 • 2021-08-31 Qubes publishes canary document
 • 2021-06-16 Qubes gets a new forum
 • 2021-03-08 Qubes and other security-focused distros
 • 2017-10-03 New VM classes for Qubes
 • 2017-06-28 Qubes OS to get new API
 • 2016-05-30 The Qubes build process
 • More Qubes headlines...

Table Notes and Explanations
  • Select view:
  • To compare the software in this project to the software available in other distributions, please see our Compare Packages page.
  • Notes: In case where multiple versions of a package are shipped with a distribution, only the default version appears in the table. For indication about the GNOME version, please check the "nautilus" and "gnome-shell" packages. The Apache web server is listed as "httpd" and the Linux kernel is listed as "linux". The KDE desktop is represented by the "plasma-desktop" package and the Xfce desktop by the "xfdesktop" package.
  • Colour scheme: green text = latest stable version, red text = development or beta version. The function determining beta versions is not 100% reliable due to a wide variety of versioning schemes.
Feature 4.2.0 4.1.2 3.2.1
Release Date 2023-12-19 2023-03-15 2018-11-13
End Of Life     2019-03
Price (US$) Free Free Free
Image Size (MB) 6200-6300 5800-5900 4000-4100
Free Download ISO ISO ISO
Installation Graphical Graphical Graphical
Default Desktop Xfce Xfce Xfce
Package Management RPM (dnf) RPM (dnf) RPM (yum)
Release Model Fixed Fixed Fixed
Office Suite -- -- --
Processor Architecture x86_64 x86_64 x86_64
Init Software systemd systemd systemd
Journaled File Systems      
Multilingual      
Asian Language Support -- -- --
Full Package List 4.2.0 4.1.2 3.2.1
abiword (3.0.5) -- -- --
alsa-lib (1.2.11) 1.2.9 1.2.4 1.1.1
amdgpu (23.0.0) -- -- --
bash (5.2.21) 5.2 5.0 4.3
bind (9.18.21) -- -- --
chromium (121.0.6167.139) -- -- --
cups (2.4.7) -- -- --
dhcp (4.4.3-P1) -- -- 4.3.3-P1
e2fsprogs (1.47.0) 1.46.5 1.45.5 1.42.13
firefox (122.0) -- -- --
freetype (2.13.2) 2.12.1 2.10.4 2.6.0
gcc (13.2.0) -- -- --
gimp (2.10.36) -- -- --
glibc (2.39) 2.36 2.31 2.22
gnome-shell (45.3) -- -- --
gnucash (5.5) -- -- --
gnumeric (1.12.56) -- -- --
grub (2.12) 2.06 2.04 2.02beta
gtk (4.12.5) 3.24.38 3.24.28 3.18.9
httpd (2.4.58) -- -- --
inkscape (1.3.1) -- -- --
k3b (23.08.4) -- -- --
kmod (31) 30 27 22
krita (5.2.2) -- -- --
LibreOffice (24.2.0) -- -- --
linux (6.7.3) 6.1.62 5.15.94 4.14.74
lxpanel (0.10.1) -- -- --
mariadb (11.1.3) -- -- --
mate-desktop (1.26.2) -- -- --
mesa (24.0.0) 23.0.3 20.2.3 11.1.0
mysql (8.3.0) -- -- --
nautilus (45.2.1) -- -- --
NVIDIA (545.29.06) -- -- --
openbox (3.6.1) -- -- --
openjdk (21.0.2) -- -- --
openssh (9.6p1) 8.8p1 8.3p1 7.2p2
openssl (3.2.1) -- 1.1.1k 1.0.2j
perl (5.38.2) 2.27 5.30.3 5.22.2
php (8.3.2) -- -- --
plasma-desktop (5.27.10) -- -- --
postfix (3.8.5) -- -- --
postgresql (16.1) -- -- --
Python (3.12.1) 3.11.6 3.8.10 2.7.11
qt (6.6.1) 5.15.10 5.14.2 4.8.7
samba (4.19.4) -- -- --
systemd (255.3) 251.19 245.9 222
thunderbird (115.7.0) -- -- --
vim (9.1) 9.0 8.2 7.4
vlc (3.0.20) -- -- --
wayland (1.22.0) -- -- --
xfdesktop (4.18.1) 4.16.1 4.14.3 4.12.3
xorg-server (21.1.11) 1.20.14 1.20.11 1.18.3


Reader Ratings
Reader supplied reviews for Qubes OS

Average rating
8.8
from 35 review(s)



What are your thoughts on Qubes OS?
Please include a few pros and a few cons, along with your overall impression of the operating system.
Our FAQ page has tips on writing a good mini-review.

Version:

Rating:    out of 10

Your review (minimum 250 words):




Past reviews - sort by:

Version: 4.2.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-01-20
Votes: 0


I use it every day, it is like one mega-OS. Any distro of linux you want - you have. The support is great, forum is very actice and has many helpful guides so that you arent aimlessly looking forever for a solution to your issue. Many popular companies/people use qubes for its security such as MULLVAD and Let's Encrypt. Only thing is that the mirror system is quite slow, yes it is a big download (6GB) but could have better mirror support upon install. Not an issue however, as the main system is wonderful.


Was this review helpful? Yes No
Version: 4.1.2
Rating: 8
Date: 2023-12-15
Votes: 2


Qubes is a good control system, but lacks simplicity and easier control. One could wish that many more operating systems were easy to download so that you could get your own operating system.
Possibly, Windows or Mint. Having difficulty seeing how you can download with usb into the system and how you can generally download from outside into folders. So I probably don't prefer Qubes as it is for experts. But it appeals to one to get a more secure operating system. Couldn't you make it more simple and straightforward. without losing security.


Was this review helpful? Yes No
Version: 4.1.2
Rating: 9
Date: 2023-11-28
Votes: 10



Title: A Dive into Qubes OS

Qubes OS is a unique and intriguing operating system that caught my attention as a tech enthusiast and Linux aficionado. Here's my take on the system, highlighting a few pros and cons.

Pros:

Security Architecture: Qubes OS takes a commendable approach to security, employing a compartmentalized structure with the help of Xen-based virtualization. Each application runs in a separate virtual machine, enhancing overall system security.

Privacy Control: The OS offers robust privacy features, allowing users to create distinct VMs for various tasks. This level of granularity ensures that personal and professional activities remain isolated, contributing to a more private computing experience.

Flexibility and Customization: Qubes OS provides a high degree of flexibility, enabling users to tailor their computing environment to specific needs. The ability to run different operating systems in separate VMs adds an extra layer of customization.

Cons:

Learning Curve: Transitioning to Qubes OS can be challenging for users unfamiliar with the virtualization concept. The learning curve might deter those seeking a more straightforward, traditional operating system experience.

Resource Intensive: Due to its security-focused design, Qubes OS can be resource-intensive, demanding a relatively powerful system to run smoothly. This could limit its accessibility for users with older or less powerful hardware.

Overall Impression:

Qubes OS stands out as a robust and secure operating system with a unique approach to system architecture. Its emphasis on security and privacy is admirable, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize these aspects in their computing experience. However, the learning curve and resource requirements might pose challenges for those accustomed to more user-friendly and lightweight systems.

In conclusion, Qubes OS is a compelling choice for individuals seeking a highly secure and customizable operating system, provided they are willing to invest the time to learn its intricacies and have the hardware to support its demands.


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See all 35 reader reviews of Qubes OS...


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